The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project in Odisha has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of a tunnel breakthrough between Buguda and Banigochha, located in Nayagarh district. According to the East Coast Railway, the breakthrough occurred on Monday, marking the completion of the 2.6-km-long Tunnel T3, a crucial part of the project.
State-of-the-Art Technology to Overcome Rugged Terrain
The tunnel, which features a 2-degree curve, was excavated using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a sophisticated technique that utilizes advanced machinery and technologies. This breakthrough is the second-longest tunnel in the entire Khurda Road-Balangir rail line project and the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district.
The completion of Tunnel T3 will play a pivotal role in connecting the eastern and western parts of Odisha, significantly improving transportation and boosting the region’s economic potential. The challenging terrain of the Eastern Ghats posed several hurdles, but with the use of modern excavation methods, the project has progressed smoothly.
Minister Vaishnaw Applauds Engineering Feat
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the achievement, calling it a milestone showcasing engineering excellence in challenging terrains. He said, The breakthrough in the 2.6 km-long Tunnel T3 between Buguda and Baniguchha stations on the Khurda-Bolangir section in Odisha is a testimony to the progress of this vital project.
The overall 301-km rail line project includes seven tunnels within a 75-km stretch located between Daspalla and Purunakatak. The tunnels, particularly those passing through the Eastern Ghats, have been the most complex part of the project.
Progress and Completion Timeline
The longest tunnel of the project, Tunnel T7, measuring 4.85 km, has already been completed. A total of 215 km of the rail line has been finished, with 105.8 km between Khurda Road and Daspalla and 109 km between Balangir and Purunakatak. Work on the remaining sections, including the stretch from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh, is progressing and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Once finished, the Khurda Road-Balangir rail line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s connectivity and overall development.